South African wine festival flies into Hong Kong

Over 500 wine enthusiasts surged into the Park Lane Hotel for Wines of South Africa’s “Discover South African Wine” Festival last week.

With over 180 wines available from all over South Africa from Swartland to Stellenbosch, the event held on Friday for members of the drinks trade and Saturday for consumers celebrated the best the country had to offer.

Highlights included the famous braai (barbecue), which was masterminded by guest chef Allistaire Lawrence and the team from Riva at the Park Lane.

Among the Pinotage and Pinot Noir, some wines stood out as innovative takes on traditional winemaking, including Asara’s white Cabernet Sauvignon and Amarone-style Avalon as well as long-standing favourites Hamilton Russell, Ken Forrester and Beyerskloof.

Commenting ahead of the event, Wines of South Africa CEO, Siobhan Thompson said: “South Africa is very unique. We have 11 official languages and tribes with huge French, German and Dutch influences. There are also completely diverse landscapes and terroir that offer such wide wine varieties.

“We have a newer generation of wine makers who are combining old traditions with a new slant and putting the energy back into winemaking. Friday and Saturday is all about the trade and consumers rediscovering South African wine and enjoying our rich culture.”